Rory Gallagher
1948
- 1995
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Rory Gallagher 1948
- 1995
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"Here was a man who managed to combine the gift of being an
authentic
creative genius with the even rarer gift of being a genuinely decent,
honourable human being." So began the series of tributes paid to Rory
Gallagher - the outstanding pioneer of Irish rock - published by the
Irish
music newspaper HOTPRESS in July 1995. Rory Gallagher was an Irish
blues and rock guitarist, singer and songwriter. Born in Ballyshannon,
Co.
Donegal, on 2 March, 1948, he grew up in the city of Cork. Based in
London during most of his 30 year career, he toured extensively, sold
30
million records, and had a worldwide following of loyal fans. He died
in
London at the early age of 47, on 14 June 1995, from complications
following a liver transplant. Although he had suffered health problems
for some time, he toured until falling seriously ill late in 1994. THE
TIMES obituary (16 June 1995) described him as "an uncompromisingly
serious musician", "a courageously honest performer [who wrote] his own
material, and [who] considered the blues to be the most personal form
of
musical expression". Consistently eschewing commercialisation, musical
and
stage gimmickry, and the trappings of rockstardom, he took simplicity
as
the key in his total commitment to making authentic, high quality
music. Frequently described as a shy, friendly, modest man, Rory
Gallagher was
the antithesis of the blazing persona that he projected as a live
performer. His grit and integrity earned him the respect and
affectionate
admiration of many. Performing at his best on stage infront of a live
audience, he was widely acknowledged as one of the finest blues
musicians
treading the boards. "The first Irish rock'n'roller and a unique blues
guitar voice rolled into one. Missed by everyone" (The Guitar Magazine,
August 1995).
Here's a page devoted to this great musician. This page has the approval of Rory's brother and manager Donal Gallagher, who has agreed to assist us and who will provide information and news on the Home Page from time to time. I would be more than pleased to grant you approval for this great project and assist where possible - Donal GallagherThe page was begun, and is maintained, by Kimmo Hagelberg (Finland), Sergio Seghetti (Italy), John Flanigan (Ireland), S.M.Donnarde (USA/Australia). We would also like to thank all the countless people who have contributed on our site over the years! Links on this Page to web sites controlled by other people on the 'net: These links may be unavailable at any given time, and we are not responsible for their contents. All pictures on Rory Gallagher Home Page by courtesy of Donal Gallagher unless otherwise noted. Reproduction of any part of the contents of this page by permission only. |